The Real Deal Los Angeles

The Real Deal Los Angeles

These 10 LA architecture firms had the biggest projects in 2017

TRD compiled a list of the firms with the highest total value of construction projects submitted last year

February 02, 2018 11:00AM

1. Gensler — The firm was founded in 1965 and has 44 locations throughout the world. Its long list of expertise includes everything from aviation and brand design to sports and entertainment facilities. Value of projects: $276M

2. Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh — The Santa Monica-based firm was founded in 1994 and has offices in Denver and San Francisco. The firm has some big ongoing residential projects but has battled with development regulations. Value of projects: $242M

3. Togawa Smith Martin Residential — The Los Angeles-based firm was founded 40 years ago and merged with AC Martin Partners in 2005 in an effort to bring together residential design with commercial expertise. Value of projects: $187M

4. KTGY Architecture + Planning — The firm was founded 25 years ago and has expanded to Chicago, Denver, Irvine, Los Angeles, Oakland and even India. Value of projects: $148M

5. Chris Dikeakos Architects — The Vancouver-based firm is making its mark on the L.A. skyline with high-rise residential designs, including the recently completed "tallest residential-only" building at 1027 Wilshire Blvd. Value of projects: $133M

6. Steinberg Hart — Established in 1953, the firm has offices in San Francisco,
San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego and Shanghai, China, and recently announced its name change to reflect the success of current CEO David Hart. Value of projects: $117M

9. Ken Stockton Architects — The firm was founded 30 years ago in Calabasas and was
issued permits in 2017 for several midrise residential buildings that elevated it into the top 10. Value of projects: $87M

10. HPA Architects — The firm was issued permits in 2017 for only warehouse and office space, not residential design. It also offers interior design for its clients. Value of projects: $81M

Eye-catching projects that are irresistibly ‘Instagrammable’ are the name of the game for Los Angeles’ top architects.

To rank the architecture firms in L.A., The Real Deal analyzed city construction permits for retail, office and
multifamily space that were issued between December 2016 and November 2017. Firms were then rnaked by the value of their current projects as listed on master new-construction permits issued.

For an expanded list, and to get the lowdown on the firms themselves and their projects, check out TRD’swinter 2018 issue.